SNOOZE: Headline CPI Increase In Line With Estimates, Up 0.3%

A key measure of inflation increased in line with economist
expectations in March, new data out of the Bureau of Labor
Statistics shows.

The consumer price index gained 0.3 percent during the month,
while core prices increased just 0.2 percent when excluding
more volatile categories like food and energy.

The price of gasoline increased by 1.7 percent in March, down
from the 6.0 percent jump logged in February.

"Most of the major components increased in March, with the
indexes for shelter and used cars and trucks accounting for
about half the total increase for all items less food and
energy," the Bureau said in its statement. "The indexes for
medical care, apparel, recreation, new vehicles, and airline
fares increased as well, while the indexes for tobacco and
household furnishings and operations were among the few to
decline in March."